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Monday, January 12, 2015

Culinary Cravings with MS Spenser- Tabouleh

Lapses of
Memory follows the exploits of rival journalists Sydney
Bellek and Elian Davies as they travel the globe reporting on world
catastrophes. Their love is reignited each time they meet, but in the long
years following each encounter Sydney forgets him. For his part, Elian knows
from the age of seven that they are meant for each other. Only after surviving
wars, revolutions, and years of separation does she realize what he means to
her, but in a twist of fate it is now Elian who no longer recognizes her.

Sydney and Elian spend quite a bit of time in the Middle East,
as did I in my younger days (Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt). The
food of the region is among the best in the world—fresh vegetables, juicy crisp
lamb, perfectly cooked rice.While held
hostage in a Lebanese camp our hero and heroine manage to enjoy some fabulous
food. Here's oneof the dishes they
savored.

Tabbouleh

1 cup very fine bulgur

3 large fresh tomatoes

1 cup minced scallions

2 ½ cups chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley

¼ to ½ cup chopped fresh mint

Water

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

6 tablespoons olive oil

Salt & pepper

Fresh romaine leaves

Wash bulgur twice in cold water, draining each
time. Place in large bowl, add ½ cup of the lemon juice and water to cover. Let
soak 15 minutes, then squeeze liquid out (using your hands is easiest). Add
bulgur to vegetables, salt and pepper, and toss. When ready to serve, line a
large salad bowl with the romaine leaves (they will be used to scoop up the
tabbouleh). Toss the salad with the rest of the lemon juice and the olive oil
and mound in the center.